they then move on to taking lessons in small samba schools and those who show talent are then invited to participate in 'alas mirins de passistas', some taking part in the children's parade in the sambódromo .

from here, the young girls progress into passistas, most of who are within the age range of 16 to 40, and go on to participate in the main competition - the samba dancing performances require significant amounts of energy and therefore the training is intensive, taking place for many months of the year.